🐔 Creamy Garlic Chicken with Spinach, Mushrooms & Bacon

⭐️ Servings: 4

🕒 Prep Time: 10 min

🍳 Cook Time: 30 min

📋 Total Time: 40 min

🧄 Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut in half lengthwise to make 4 cutlets)

• Salt & black pepper (to taste)

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp paprika (optional, for color)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Sauce:

• 4–5 slices of thick-cut bacon, chopped

• 1 tbsp unsalted butter (optional)

• 1 cup white or cremini mushrooms, sliced

• 3–4 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 cups fresh spinach (can use more if desired)

• 1 cup heavy cream (or half & half for lighter version)

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated preferred)

• ½ tsp Italian seasoning

• Salt and pepper to taste

• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

🍽️ Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

• Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

• Sear the chicken cutlets for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp should reach 165°F / 74°C).

• Remove chicken from skillet and set aside on a plate.

2. Cook the Bacon:

• In the same skillet, add chopped bacon and cook until crispy.

• Use a slotted spoon to remove bacon and set aside.

• Leave 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease in the pan (drain excess if needed).

3. Sauté Mushrooms and Garlic:

• Add 1 tbsp butter to the bacon grease (optional for richness).

• Toss in the sliced mushrooms and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re browned and soft.

• Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, just until fragrant.

4. Wilt the Spinach:

• Add spinach to the skillet and cook, stirring, for 1–2 minutes until wilted.

5. Make the Cream Sauce:

• Reduce heat to medium-low.

• Pour in the heavy cream, stir well, and then add in the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning.

• Let the sauce simmer gently (don’t boil) for 3–4 minutes until thickened.

• Season with additional salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.

6. Combine and Finish:

• Return the cooked chicken and bacon to the skillet.

• Spoon the sauce over the chicken and simmer for another 2–3 minutes, until everything is heated through and well coated.

🥗 Serve With:

• Mashed potatoes or creamy polenta

• Steamed vegetables

• Rice or cauliflower rice (for low carb)

• Crusty bread to soak up the sauce

🔁 Storage:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.

• Reheat gently on the stove or microwave. Add a splash of cream or milk if sauce thickens too much.